Charlot Salwai

Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas (born 24 April 1963) is a Ni-Vanuatu politician, former accountant, and political advisor. He was the prime minister of Vanuatu from 2016 to 2020 and again from 2023 to 2025. He is the leader of the Reunification of Movements for Change (RMC), which is part of the Unity for Change bloc.

Biography Born in 1963 on Pentecost Island, He attended Bourail College to obtain his General Education Certificate, Bourail Technical College to obtain his Technical Education Certificate, and Lycée Blaise Pascal in Nouméa for his Baccalauréat technologique G2.

Salwai had previously served as Minister for Trade and Industries, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Minister for Education, Minister of Justice (2012), Minister for Finance and Economic Management (2012–2013), and Minister of Internal Affairs. He has also served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Leader of the Opposition Whip, and Deputy Opposition Leader. In late November 2016 Salwai survived an attempt at a motion of no-confidence, with MPs being divided on procedural points regarding the motion and attachment of a summons. In August 2020, Salwai, former cabinet ministers Matai Seremaiah and Jerome Ludvaune and former MP Tom Korr were committed to the Supreme Court on charges of bribery and corruption over allegations he had bribed MPs who had signed the motion. Salwai was also charged with perjury.

Salwai stood trial from 23 November 2020, charged with 10 counts of bribery and corruption. He and his former Minister of Health were acquitted of bribery on 8 December. On 16 December 2020, Salwai was convicted of perjury and given a suspended sentence. He was pardoned by the President of Vanuatu, Tallis Obed Moses, in September 2021, which restored his eligibility to run for public office.

On 6 October 2023, Salwai was elected prime minister following the ousting of Sato Kilman in a vote of no confidence.